Overview

Breast-conserving surgery is a surgical procedure used to remove a breast cancer tumour while preserving as much healthy breast tissue as possible. Also known as a lumpectomy or partial mastectomy, the procedure involves removing the tumour along with a margin of surrounding tissue.

Breast-conserving surgery may be recommended for eligible patients with early-stage breast cancer when the tumour can be removed completely without removing the entire breast. It is generally followed by radiation therapy to reduce the risk of cancer returning in the treated breast. For suitable patients, breast-conserving surgery with radiation can offer survival outcomes comparable to mastectomy.

At Sarvodaya Hospital, the decision to perform breast conservation surgery is based on the patient's diagnosis, tumour size and location, imaging findings and overall health. The treating team assesses whether breast preservation is appropriate and determines whether additional treatment, such as radiation therapy or medication, may be required.

When Is Breast-Conserving Surgery Recommended?

Breast-conserving surgery may be recommended when a breast cancer tumour can be removed completely while preserving the remaining breast tissue.

It may be considered for eligible patients with early-stage breast cancer, localised tumours that can be removed with clear surgical margins, selected cases of ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS), or certain larger tumours that reduce in size following treatment.

The decision depends on factors such as the tumour's size and location, whether cancer affects multiple areas of the breast, the possibility of obtaining clear surgical margins and whether radiation therapy can be given. The patient's medical history, overall health and treatment preferences are also considered before recommending surgery.

How Is Breast-Conserving Surgery Performed?

During breast cancer tumour removal surgery, the surgeon removes the cancerous area along with a margin of surrounding breast tissue. The procedure is generally performed under anaesthesia, and the removed tissue is sent to a laboratory for examination.

The procedure involves locating the tumour, making an incision over or near the affected area, removing the tumour with surrounding tissue, controlling bleeding and closing the incision. If required, the surgeon may also perform a sentinel lymph node biopsy to assess whether cancer has spread to nearby lymph nodes.

The surgical approach depends on the tumour's size, location and extent. In selected cases, oncoplastic techniques may be used to help preserve breast shape. The final pathology report helps establish whether the tumour has been removed completely and whether further surgery or additional treatment is required.

Breast-Conserving Surgery with Radiation

Breast-conserving surgery with radiation is a common treatment approach for eligible patients with breast cancer. After the tumour is removed, radiation therapy targets the affected breast to destroy remaining cancer cells that may not be visible during surgery and reduce the risk of local recurrence.

The need for radiation therapy depends on the cancer's type and stage, the pathology findings, the patient's age and other clinical factors. Some patients may also require chemotherapy, hormone therapy or targeted therapy based on the characteristics of the tumour.

The treating team reviews the diagnostic results and surgical findings to determine the appropriate treatment plan. Your specialist will explain the expected benefits, possible side effects and follow-up requirements associated with the recommended treatment.

Breast-Conserving Surgery Technology and Infrastructure

Breast-conserving surgery relies on appropriate imaging, accurate diagnosis and careful surgical planning to identify the affected area and remove the tumour while preserving healthy tissue.

Depending on the patient's clinical requirements, assessment may involve mammography and breast ultrasound to identify and evaluate abnormalities, breast MRI to assess the extent of disease in selected cases, and image-guided localisation when a tumour is difficult to feel during examination.

Core needle biopsy helps confirm the diagnosis before treatment planning, while histopathological examination of the removed tissue helps assess the tumour and surgical margins. Lymph node assessment may also be performed when indicated. These findings help the treating team determine whether further surgery, radiation therapy or other cancer treatments are required.

Benefits of Breast-Conserving Surgery

• Preserves Breast Tissue: Removes the cancerous area while retaining as much healthy breast tissue as possible.
• Alternative to Mastectomy: Offers a breast-preserving option for eligible patients who do not require removal of the entire breast.
• Effective Cancer Treatment: When appropriately selected and combined with recommended radiation therapy, it can provide survival outcomes comparable to mastectomy for many patients with early-stage breast cancer.
• May Preserve Breast Appearance: Retaining breast tissue can help maintain the breast's natural shape, although the cosmetic outcome varies.
• Individualised Treatment: The surgical approach can be planned according to the tumour's location, size and the patient's anatomy.
• Recovery Considerations: Recovery may be less extensive than after mastectomy, although it depends on the operation and whether lymph nodes are also assessed.

Breast-Conserving Surgery Recovery

Recovery after breast-conserving surgery depends on the amount of tissue removed, whether lymph node surgery is performed and the patient's overall health.

After the procedure, the medical team monitors the wound, pain, swelling and general recovery. Many patients return to light activities within a few days, although discomfort and activity restrictions may continue for longer. The treating team provides instructions on wound care, movement and when normal activities can be resumed.

The final pathology report helps determine whether the cancer has been completely removed and whether further treatment is required. Patients who need radiation therapy or other cancer treatments receive guidance on the next steps and the expected treatment schedule.

Post-Treatment Lifestyle Modifications

• Follow Wound Care Instructions: Keep the surgical area clean and follow your care team's advice on dressing changes and bathing.
• Take Medicines as Prescribed: Use prescribed pain relief and other medicines according to your doctor's instructions.
• Resume Activities Gradually: Avoid strenuous activity and heavy lifting until your surgeon advises that it is safe.
• Follow Arm Movement Guidance: Perform recommended shoulder and arm exercises to support mobility, particularly if lymph nodes were assessed or removed.
• Attend Follow-Up Appointments: Keep appointments to review the pathology report, monitor healing and discuss further treatment.
• Complete Recommended Treatment: Attend radiation therapy and take prescribed cancer medicines as advised.
• Monitor Changes: Contact your care team if you develop increasing redness, swelling, fever, wound discharge or worsening pain.
• Maintain Healthy Habits: Follow a balanced diet, remain physically active as advised and seek support for emotional well-being during recovery.

Why Choose Sarvodaya Hospital for Breast-Conserving Surgery?

• Specialist Assessment: Evaluation of breast lumps, abnormal imaging findings and confirmed breast cancer diagnoses.
• Comprehensive Breast Evaluation: Review of clinical examination findings, imaging and biopsy results to help establish the extent of the disease.
• Individualised Surgical Planning: Assessment of whether breast-conserving surgery is appropriate based on the tumour's characteristics and the patient's needs.
• Treatment Planning: Consideration of surgery, radiation therapy and other treatments according to the diagnosis and pathology findings.
• Pathology-Based Decisions: Review of the removed tissue and surgical margins to guide further treatment when required.
• Recovery Guidance: Advice on wound care, activity, arm movement and recovery after surgery.
• Continuity of Care: Follow-up support to monitor healing and coordinate recommended cancer treatment.